Timing for worming while relocating

[maryn7]

I'm moving in the next couple weeks with my five hens (just about an hour away - coop is prepared, etc.). I've also never wormed them - they've just turned three years old.

All of them - the lowest in the pecking order in particular - need quarterly spa treatments for poopy butts. I don't know what we're doing wrong - I feed high quality feed, clean the waterers regularly, they rarely get treats, and they free range in our big yard every day - but eventually everybody creeps back to a place where I'm cleaning bird butts. They're all healthy and their poop looks fine, so it seems like mostly a fluff issue, but figured I should worm them just as good practice and to see if it helps.

A couple questions:
1. I've got a bottle of liquid safeguard that I've never used (though it's not sealed) - it expired in Dec 2023. Can I still use it? Or should I pick up something new?

2. Knowing that the move will be stressful for them - what do folks suggest for timing on the worming, which might also be a stressor on their systems? Since I know they'll likely stop laying after the move, I was thinking to do it right before we move them so that there is less egg wastage. And I could also leave any potential dead worms/eggs behind. But looking for guidance as I don't want to overwhelm them.

Thanks! Tagging @Wyorp Rock and @Eggcessive in advance, as they usually get dragged into the worming advice threads.

 

[townchicks]

If possible, get a fecal check done, you may not even have to worm them. Poopy butts can be from eating a lot of green stuff in the yard. You might also consider some kind of probiotic, it can't hurt, might help the poopy problem and is good for their immune systems so good for the stress of the move.

 

[maryn7]

Worming them will be easier than convincing my vet to do something bird-related, tbh.

Thanks for the probiotic tip - any thoughts on expiration dates and worming timing?

 

[Wyorp Rock]

A couple questions:
1. I've got a bottle of liquid safeguard that I've never used (though it's not sealed) - it expired in Dec 2023. Can I still use it? Or should I pick up something new?

2. Knowing that the move will be stressful for them - what do folks suggest for timing on the worming, which might also be a stressor on their systems? Since I know they'll likely stop laying after the move, I was thinking to do it right before we move them so that there is less egg wastage. And I could also leave any potential dead worms/eggs behind. But looking for guidance as I don't want to overwhelm them.

You can deworm them anytime if you feel they need it.
Sometimes hens have poopy butts due to being so fluffy, it's not that unusual to have to clean them up periodically. Getting some poop stuck in fluff doesn't necessarily mean they have worms.

I can't say whether or not the Safeguard you have is still good, so to err on the side of caution, it's best to use a product within its expiration date.

How far are you moving? I think it's great you can take the hens with you.

 

[maryn7]

Thanks! We're just moving back about 60mi away, and our original girls at the time made the move to where we are now, too.

The lowest on the pecking order is the only one I'm actually worried about - she needs tidying more than the others. And in her first year she got sour crop, and I noticed some cecal worms at the time - I figured just because her system was struggling and we'd already put her through so much with the sour crop treatment that I let it go.

Would it be a bad idea to worm *only* her? Most of my flock are strugglers, which is why we've put it off. (Though this doesn't totally solve my problem, as the girl is question is the strongest, most agile chicken I've ever seen. She's just a regular ol easter egger but pinning her wings is a nightmare.)

 

[Ridgerunner]

Would it be a bad idea to worm *only* her?

If one has worms they all do. You don't know that any do have worms but if you worm one I'd worm them all.

She's just a regular ol easter egger but pinning her wings is a nightmare.)

Try wrapping her in a big bath or beach towel or old sheet. That can help a lot on keeping the wings pinned. As long as you don't suffocate her putting something over the head can help calm them too.

 

[Farmgirl1878]

I’m using aquasol from now on! Rural King’s pharmacy has it in smaller, less expensive bottles. That way I can put it in the water and be done with it. Most of my girls don’t like to be handled, so this should be less stressful for everyone.

 

[Farmgirl1878]

Sorry! It’s Tractor Supply’s pharmacy!

https://www.tractorsupplyrx.com/tsc/product/safe-guard-aquasol-dewormer-for-chickens-3-ml/52862.html

 

[maryn7]

Thanks everyone. Appreciate the advice!

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Thanks! We're just moving back about 60mi away, and our original girls at the time made the move to where we are now, too.

The lowest on the pecking order is the only one I'm actually worried about - she needs tidying more than the others. And in her first year she got sour crop, and I noticed some cecal worms at the time - I figured just because her system was struggling and we'd already put her through so much with the sour crop treatment that I let it go.

Would it be a bad idea to worm *only* her? Most of my flock are strugglers, which is why we've put it off. (Though this doesn't totally solve my problem, as the girl is question is the strongest, most agile chicken I've ever seen. She's just a regular ol easter egger but pinning her wings is a nightmare.)

If you're going to deworm, deworm all of them.



Do keep in mind that Aquasol's dosing treats Roundworms Only.

I’m using aquasol from now on! Rural King’s pharmacy has it in smaller, less expensive bottles. That way I can put it in the water and be done with it. Most of my girls don’t like to be handled, so this should be less stressful for everyone.